Physical Activity Policy November 2011 Aim of Policy We have a responsibility to help students and staff establish and maintain lifelong habits of being physically active. According to the Chief Medical Officer (Department of Health, 2004), regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do to maintain and improve their physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of premature death in general and of heart disease, high blood pressure, colon cancer and diabetes in particular. Promoting a physically active lifestyle among young people is important because:
through its effects on mental health, physical activity can help increase students' capacity for learning physical activity has substantial health benefits for children and adolescents, including favourable effects on endurance capacity, muscular strength, body weight, and blood pressure positive experiences with physical activity at a young age help lay the basis for being regularly active throughout life.
Therefore this policy promotes practices within the school to reinforce our vision, and to remove or discourage practices that negate them. This policy is part of the Healthy Schools Policy and we understand that we have an important part to play in this strategy by introducing our children to a broad variety of physical activities and removing barriers to participation. Provision of Physical Activity in School Physical activity in school is provided through the following; 1. School ethos 2. Physical Education Lessons 3. Active lessons 4. Extra-curricular physical activity 5. Travelling to and from school 6. Before School, Break and lunchtime activity 7. Accessible and adequate facilities 8. Staff opportunities 9. Involvement with parents/carers 10. Involvement with School Sports Partnership and other community resources 11. Achievement Assemblies
1. School Ethos Every student shall be physically educated - that is, shall develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities, maintain physical fitness, regularly participate in physical activity, understand the short and long-term benefits of physical activity, and value and enjoy physical activity as an ongoing part of a healthful lifestyle. In addition, all staff are encouraged to participate in and model physical activity as a valuable part of daily life. 2. Physical Education Lessons There is a sequential scheme of work of physical education that involves moderate to vigorous physical activity on a regular basis; teaches knowledge, motor skills, selfmanagement skills, and positive attitudes; promotes activities and sports that students enjoy and can pursue throughout their lives; is taught by well-prepared and wellsupported staff. Every student in each year shall participate in a minimum of 2hrs physical education a week for the entire school year, including students with disabling conditions. The scheme of work makes effective use of school and community resources and equitably serve the needs and interests of all students and staff, taking into consideration differences of gender, cultural norms, physical and cognitive abilities, and fitness levels. See School Physical Education Policy statement and scheme of work. 3. Active Lessons All staff are encouraged to provide opportunities to plan active lessons where possible and appropriate, for example; delivering literacy speaking and listening through drama, numeracy through brain gym etc. Examples of good practice are shared regularly at during Study support group meetings. 4. Extra Curricular Physical Activity This school offers a physical activity programme that features a broad range of activities and meeting the following criteria:
Students have a diverse choice of activities in which they can participate. Competitive, non-competitive, structured, un-structured, and including some physical activity options e.g. House Competition. Every student has an opportunity to participate regardless of physical ability; Some students have the opportunity to be involved in the planning, organisation, and administration of the programme.
Activities include: For example Football, Netball, Table Tennis and Volleyball. A list of activities available is given to students every year. All activities shall be supervised by qualified staff, coaches or instructors who may or may not be qualified teachers. A member of staff from the school should be available nearby for the duration of the club in case support is required e.g. serious accident. The school works with clubs and private sector to provide for as wider range of activities as it can on behalf of young people. 5. Travelling To and From School The school encourages active methods of travelling. There is secure cycle storage.
6. Before School, Break and Lunch Time Activity The school has playgrounds, and school fields and students are encouraged to use them for free play. Break times shall complement, not substitute for, physical education classes. Staff will make every effort not to deny a student's participation in break time or other physical activity as a form of discipline or punishment. There maybe exceptional circumstances where this is not possible. 7. Facilities The school endeavours to ensure the cost-efficient provision of adequate spaces, facilities, equipment, supplies, and operational budgets that are necessary to achieve the objectives of the physical activity program. The use of physical education facilities for non-instructional purposes, such as using the gymnasium for school assemblies during times scheduled for physical education classes will be minimised. Access to sports halls and playgrounds after school hours will be permitted wherever it is appropriate to do so. 8. Staff Opportunities Staff are made aware of sporting opportunities provided by the local council. Also, staff participate in and support sponsored events to raise money for charities. 9. Involvement with Parents/Carers and Members of the Community The school encourages family members and members of the community to become active by working in partnership with Madeley Youth Club, private sector and local clubs to open up the sports facilities out side of the normal school curriculum hours. 10. Involvement with School Sports Partnership and Other Community Resources The school works with recreation agencies/sports development and other community organisations to coordinate and enhance opportunities available to students and staff for physical activity joint school and community recreation activities. Celebrating Physical Achievements We regularly hold achievement assemblies to celebrate physical achievements as well as academic performance. We believe these assemblies are very important as they raise the children/young people’s confidence and self-esteem, which in turn may encourage them to continue being active. Credits are given to children who are trying their best at a new activity or who have achieved their personal best. Therefore every child has a chance to receive recognition for their achievements. Equal Opportunities Physical activity needs to serve the needs and interests of all students and staff, taking into consideration differences of gender, cultural norms, physical and cognitive abilities, and fitness levels thereby encouraging participation.
CPD Opportunities Physical Education staff have access to training from the LEA, School Sports Partnership and other providers. Training needs are identified and agreed within Performance Management Reviews with line managers. Training Opportunities with relevance for the whole school are circulated to the rest of the school staff during inset days/staff meetings. Physical Education staff are up to date with current initiatives and have close links with the LEAs Education Officer for PE. Monitoring and Evaluation The Physical Activity Co-ordinator in school is Paul Goodwin. The above member of staff responsible provides clear leadership and management to develop and monitor the physical activity policy. The co-ordinator will monitor levels of participation, and activity inside and outside the curriculum regularly and make appropriate adjustments. Will consult with pupils and staff to identify barriers to participation and ensure that a broad range of extra curricular activities that promote physical activity are provided for all pupils to participate in.
Policy Development and Review This policy document was produced in consultation with the entire school community, including pupils, parents, school staff, Governors, LEA representatives, school nurse and local Healthy School Programme. This document is freely available to the entire school community. It has also been made available in the school, website. It will be reviewed on a bi-annual basis.